As the generation known as the 'Baby Boomers' ages, it comes as no surprise that their back pain is increasing. What is surprising is the increased cost of treating that pain. A wide-scope study, recently published in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, determined that the occurrence of back pain in patients aged 45 - 60 increased by 29 percent. Patients whose back pain was described as chronic increased by 64 percent. This increase in back pain in both patient groups was attributed to simple aging. However, the inflation-adjusted costs to treat these patients soared 129 percent, from $15.6 billion in 2000 to 2001 to $35.7 billion in 2006 to 2007. The researchers concluded that the rising trends in back pain and treatment cost will only continue or accelerate under existing treatment patterns. Suggested improvements included prioritizing health policy, clinical practice, and research efforts to improve care outcomes, cost-effectiveness and health workforce planning. Fortunately, chiropractic care has been shown to be a cost effective option when treating back pain. If you are suffering from back pain or another musculoskeletal ailment, call your local chiropractor today. Setting up a no-obligation consultation is usually quick, easy and is often provided at little to no cost.